Conflict and Cooperation in Border Regions: An Examination of the Russian-Finnish Border

Alan Sweedler

Abstract

To examine more closely some of the factors that give rise to cooperation or conflict in border areas, the Russian-Finnish border is discussed and some comparisons with the U.S.-Mexico border are made. These regions were chosen because they represent border areas separating distinct cultures, where there exists a significant difference in the level of economic development within the region, and where there has been a history of both conflict and cooperation.